10 facts on children's environmental health

Many children in Africa and Asia are exposed to aflatoxins in foods

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that contaminate food such asmaize and groundnuts. Acute poisoning from aflatoxins can be life-threatening. Alfatoxins are considered chemical carcinogens which may cause cancer. Over the long-term, children with chronic aflatoxin exposure may become stunted, underweight, and more susceptible to infectious diseases during childhood and later in life.